Pope offers special prayer on International Women's Day

Pope Francis says a world where women are marginalized ''is a sterile world'' as he conducts the Angelus on International Women's Day. Vanessa Johnston reports.

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A special blessing for women around the world...
as Pope Francis marks International Women's Day in St. Peter's Square.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:
"Today, on March 8, I send a greeting to all the women."
This special day, he said, is a chance to reaffirm the importance of women everywhere.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:
"A world where women are marginalized is a sterile world because not only do women carry new life with them but they also have a capacity to see beyond things, they see over and above. They have a capacity to help us see the world through different eyes, to feel things with hearts that are more creative, more patient, more tender."
Pope Francis has often said he wants women to have a greater role in the Roman Catholic Church.
Although he says a ban on women priests is definitive,
he wants to appoint more nuns and other women to senior positions at the Vatican.
NATS -- "Have a good lunch. Good bye."